Phone Call (for Jessica)

Let me say I am definitely your father,
the foolish one, 
while you are one of two daughters,

each from a different marriage. 

As you said, it’s a bit confusing. 
Your voices sound alike to me, 
so without specific announcement,

how was I to know? 

But I thought you corrected me nicely. 

So, there we were: me stumbling over myself,
my face gone red,
glad you 

were unable to see it.

I could only laugh. 

I’m glad you also joined in,
also found it funny,
treating it as if expected.

You must remember
I am becoming increasingly forgetful 
and do not hear well.

Still, I’m glad 
you found my confusion funny, 
was especially glad 
just to laugh with you, my daughter, 

laugh hard again.